Northwich Scoops Gold… and more!

In its 4^th year of entering RHS North West in Bloom, Northwich has finally achieved the illusive Gold at the annual awards held in Bolton, as well as joint ‘Best in Category’ for Large Town. To top off its best awards yet, the town also received special recognition with the 2022 award for ‘Best Art in the Community’ and Cheshire Food Hub achieved a Level 5 Outstanding for its community garden.

The Northwich in Bloom submission is led by Northwich Business Improvement District (BID), with significant support from Northwich Town Council, as well as Cheshire West & Chester Council. Speaking of the achievement, Stephanie Leese from Northwich BID was elated to see the town achieve these awards “Each year we enter In Bloom with the hope of getting the ultimate recognition for the work that is put in across Northwich, not only by partners, but also the vast amount of community organisations who support the entry. These awards showcase how Northwich is a destination like no other and I’m so proud of everyone involved in making it happen.”

Northwich In Bloom has over 30 groups working on projects across the town, all of which come together to help create the Northwich portfolio, which is used as part of the judging. This year the town was visited by two In Bloom judges, who were very impressed by just the handful of projects they were able to see in one day and they also commented on how colourful the town centre was with the vast amount of planting.

Northwich Town Mayor, Cllr Graham Emmett celebrated by saying “This is just another tick in the box for how great Northwich is, another reason to be proud of our town and another reason to be thankful for the amazing community spirit we’re surrounded by. It’s important to pay thanks to all those who supported this year’s submission and a special thanks to those who kept the towns floral displays looking perfect throughout the hot summer period.”

During the award ceremony, Northwich received the ‘Best Art in the Community’ award, with Chair of RHS North West in Bloom Bernard Pendleton, commenting on the various crochet flowers and postbox toppers showing real community involvement. The crochet art that has been placed across the town is from several community groups, with trailing flowers created by St Helen’s Knit & Natter, Mid Cheshire Craft & Chat and customers from Crafty Stitches. Various post box toppers and Pina Colada Festival themed bollard covers gave the town a tropical feel, created by Toppers of Northwich.

Cheshire Food Hub were also recognised as a significant part of the Northwich portfolio, with the community garden seen as an inspirational example during the judging visit. Bob & Jill Worrell from the project were at the awards ceremony, along with Rachel Waterman who manages Cheshire Food Hub. Rachel praised the volunteers “The food hub volunteers worked so hard on producing and maintaining a fantastic garden. The garden only used recycled and donated materials so it’s green as well as being green! So many customers have commented on how brilliant the gardens are and how much they make them smile. The team should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Northwich In Bloom are always looking to involve more groups in the portfolio, those interested in taking part in future years can email [email protected] for information on how to get involved. Volunteers who would like to support the planting in the town centre in 2023, can register with One Northwich by visiting https://northwich.org.uk/.